Cost-effective heating tips for South African homes

It’s officially freezing. The kind of cold that makes you question your life choices every time you step out of the shower or touch a tiled floor. And with electricity prices climbing and load shedding still lurking, keeping your home warm without blowing your budget feels like an impossible task.

But it’s not. With a few smart moves and a bit of planning, you can warm your home efficiently and safely this winter. Here’s how.

Start by locking in the heat

Before switching anything on, take a moment to think about where your heat is going. Most South African homes are built for sun, not snow, which means they lose warmth fast. Block draughts under doors with towels or door snakes. Seal window gaps with weather stripping or even masking tape if you’re in a pinch. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

A well-insulated room needs far less heating to stay comfortable.

Choose the right heater for your space

Not all heaters are created equal. Oil heaters are great for bedrooms and keeping things warm over a few hours. Fan heaters heat quickly but can be expensive to run. Infrared heaters work well in focused areas and are often more energy-efficient. Wall panel heaters are another solid option if you’re heating a small or medium space consistently.

The key is to match the heater to the size and function of the room. If you’re not sure, a quick chat with our team at LMS Electrical can point you in the right direction.

Use timers and thermostats

There’s no need to keep a heater running all night or while you’re out. A simple plug-in timer can switch your heater on just before you wake up or get home. Thermostats help you avoid overheating the space and wasting electricity. These small changes can make a big difference to your monthly bill.

We install and configure timers and thermostats all the time. It’s quick, affordable and pays off within weeks.

Save watts where you can

Even if lighting isn’t the main power drain in winter, every little bit counts. Swapping out old globes for LEDs is one of the easiest ways to reduce your household electricity usage. Plus, warm-toned LEDs create that cosy winter glow that makes your home feel more inviting.

What not to do

Some things just aren’t worth the risk. Don’t use your oven to heat a room. Don’t overload your plug points with heaters and multi-plugs. And if something smells weird, buzzes, or starts flickering, it’s time to turn it off and call a professional.

Electrical faults aren’t just annoying. In winter, they can become dangerous very quickly.

Need help getting winter-ready?

Whether it’s installing a new wall heater, fitting timers, or just checking your wiring is safe, we’re here to help. LMS Electrical services Randburg, Roodepoort, Sandton, Fourways and surrounding areas. We work quickly, professionally and with your comfort in mind.